Are you struggling with trying to get all your work done at the office and/or at home? Maybe it is because you are engaging in “fake work?” Before you get upset --- I’m not saying you aren’t working hard. Read on.

Brent D. Peterson and Gaylan W. Nielson state in their new book Fake “Work” that “much of the hard work people do for their organization does little to link people to the strategies that are intended to help the organization achieve its goals. In fact…. about half the work that people do fails to advance the organizations’ strategies.” Peterson and Neilson call this ineffective work “fake work.”

Many times this work is time consuming, difficult and done well. It is still “fake work.” Work must be aligned with the goals of your company. Consider applying these same thoughts to your home life.

So, why do we have the “fake work” problem?

Peterson and Nielson give 10 causes. Let’s look at the first three. To learn more about the book go to www.fakework.com.

Cause 1.  “Failing to understand your job --- your real job.” I have always thought assumptions can be perilous. Many times we assume things that can get us in trouble. At work or home you can assume that you should be doing one thing while your supervisor or spouse is thinking something else entirely. Sometimes, we do what our passions dictate rather than what should be done. Be clear about your responsibilities for work and your personal life.

Cause 2.  “Failing to recognize the finish line.” Know the purpose of the job and what the results should be. Ask your supervisor. Don’t assume.

Cause 3.  “Failing to Focus and Prioritize.” Don’t assume what the priorities are. Ask your supervisor. At home discuss priorities with your family. Alert key people when there are too many priorities. What can be shifted to later? Make sure you understand what are considered nonessential tasks and “must do” tasks.

Don’t waste your time on “fake work.”

Share your stories. What “fake work” have you been doing? How could it have been avoided?